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Unraveling the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Active Sites in N‐Functionalized Interconnected Graphene Quantum Dots
Author(s) -
Kundu Sumana,
Malik Bibhudatta,
Pattanayak Deepak K.,
Pitchai Ragupathy,
Pillai Vijayamohanan K.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemistryselect
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 2365-6549
DOI - 10.1002/slct.201700631
Subject(s) - overpotential , graphene , quantum dot , oxide , materials science , desorption , hydrogen , carbon fibers , adsorption , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , chemistry , composite material , composite number , electrochemistry , organic chemistry , electrode , engineering , metallurgy
Herein, we report for the first time, a unique three‐ dimensionally (3‐D) interconnected and surface N functionalized (25%) graphene quantum dots (c‐GQDs), which has been designed by a simple hydrazine hydrate treatment of GQDs in acidic condition at low temperature followed by a heat treatment that has remarkably enhanced electrocatalytic activity. A comparable exchange current density (i 0 : 0.8×10 −3 A/cm 2 ) with respect to the Pt/C and a low overpotential (220 mV; η 10mA/cm 2 ) has been observed for c‐GQDs. The improved performance of the material is attributed to the unique structure of the N‐interlinkage among the individual GQDs where the pyridinic‐N‐oxide develops electron rich active sites in the carbon framework for favourable H + adsorption and desorption. We hope that our study may build up a new platform to the graphene based materials for various energy applications.